Sukhothai city is very important since the Sukhothai Kingdom began the civilization of the Thai people of the 13th to the 14th century, and Thai civilization, language, and architecture originated from the Sukhothai Kingdom. The cultural tourism is complemented by its well-preserved historical park, which is the part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
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It is built in the valley of the Yom River with green forests and soft hills being the natural environment for the ruins of the ancient city. Sukhothai is contained tropical savannas climate characterized by a long dry season and also a rainy season with significantly green vegetation. Rice farming has been practiced in the fertile plains around the town and thus the town prospered in the Sukhothai Kingdom particularly in the 13th and 14th centuries that was the golden age of the kingdom. This is a destination that is defined by history and tradition, which is actually brought to life and presented appropriately to the travelers of the 21 st century.
Sukhothai Historical Park
Travel back in time when visiting the Sukhothai Historical Park which is the representative of the ancient Sukhothai Kingdom and listed as UNESCO site. The park covers an area of 70.0 square kilometer and is characterized by great pieces of the temple ruins, palace, and sculptures. Other attractions are Wat Mahathat, the religious complex of Ayutthaya with heights stupa and Buddhist images and Wat Si Chum with the Great Sitting Buddha statue located inside a concrete umbrella. Hiring a bicycle is perfect for traveling across the park and for really experiencing the calmness of these structures.
Wat Mahathat
Wat Mahathat is one of the more significant temples and the biggest among all attractions in Sukhothai Historical Park. This area doubtless was saturated with religious importance: and as one wanders through the vast gardens he or she can almost sense this. The flat and elevated area of the temple also contains many Budha images and lotus shaped pagoda around the big chedi in the middle making the environment of the temple majestic. This location combines the historic aspect with serenity and solves the main purpose of a site that makes people experience the feeling of being a part of the history.
Wat Si Chum
One of the most known attractions of Wat Si Chum is the sitting of the buddha statue called Phra Achana. Located in this mondop or the square building, this image of Buddha is 15 meters in height and gives out an aura of calmness and enlightenment. It is highly effective to have a narrow pathway that leads up to the Buddha which in turn adds to the fact that it is a holy sight. The large fingers of the statue are also very appealing and are usually garnished with gold leave; thus are the favourite of photographers.
Wat Sa Si
Located in a rather serene and peaceful area surrounded by a lotus pond, temple number 14, Wat Sa Si is power packed with pretty pictures. Wooden and later concrete, stair-like ramplike structures give passage way to the main chedi, which is accompanied by small stupas and Buddha statues. The cast of reflections on still water especially when taken during the era of sunset or sun rise is quite intriguing. It is a very calm place, good for thinking and very Nature-like.
Ramkhamhaeng National Museum
In order to get more precise knowledge of the history and culture of the SUkhothai region, it is recommended to visit the Ramkhamhaeng National Museum. Some of the items on display include pottery, sculptures and inscriptions that period of the Sukhothai. Engaging exhibits also come with information content and history based on these valuable items; thus, it is a learning and enjoyable process. The gardens, sculpture and art of the museum is as is the architecture having replicas of the Sukhothai styles.
Si Satchanalai History Park
Another historical park that could be suggested for tourists’ visit is Si Satchanalai Historical Park, located a bit farther from Sukhothai; moreover, it is also listed as the World Heritage site. They are for example; Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat with a high prang and Wat Chang Lom which is depicted with four gigantic elephant statues. Due to the beautiful and quiet environment of Mere Ani, travelers can visit it as a day trip visiting historical sites.
Wat Phra Phai Luang
Wat Phra Phai Luang is one of the oldest temples and situated in the northern sector of the Sukhothai Historical Park. Structures of the temple complex reflect the architecture in its development from Khmer to Thai period. Lastly, as one moves through the structures, there are some carvings and statues with descriptions of history. The fact that it is surrounded by incredibly beautiful and quiet countryside, and this place somehow is connected with the history of the Expressionism, makes it absolutely obligatory to visit.
Wat Trapang Thong
Wat Trapang Thong is located on an island in the pond supplied with lotuses and is an exotic visualization and culturally significant temple. It is reachable by wooden bridge, the atmosphere in the temple is very comfortable for responding and having a break. The main feature of the temple is a beautiful chedi that looks even more engaging against the background of the calm water. This is one of the best places for observing the concept of biomimicry, their both architecture and nature.
Sangkhalok Museum
The inspiration for establishing the Sangkhalok Museum is to promote the identification of pottery and ceramics distinctly from the Sukhothai and Si Satchanalai kilns. They are generally well made and offer the people retro view of the kind of art that was adopted in the region. Some of the artefacts exhibited in the museum are elaborate patterns and numerous types of ceramics that were bartered in the SE Asian region. They go to the museum to learn more details of the workmanship and the trade of the ancient Sukhothai.
King Ramkhamhaeng Monument
The King Ramkhamhaeng Monument is one of the interesting sites situated at the Sukhothai Historical Park, to commemorate the great king who is believed to have established the Thai scripts as well as encouraged the period of the kingdom prosperity and cultural growth. The monument is in a seated position indicating the king Ramkhamhaeng along with a scripture in hand. There are also gardens and plaques that contain important information regarding his accomplishments concerning the history of Thailand. It is a befitting honour to a monarch that stood at the heart of the formation of the nation’s identity.
Sukhothai is an ancient province, which seems to be created for tourists; here people can see not only monuments of the past and valuable sights, but also the fascination of beautiful nature. All these ten places offer distinctive views of the valuable history of this ancient kingdom. If a person loves history, culture or a chance to indulge oneself in visuals of the more antique world – Sukhothai will not disappoint.